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University Senate
MEMORANDUM
Date: February 14, 2003
To: The Academic Community
From: James M. Anthony, Secretary
Subject: February 3, 2003 Meeting of the University Senate
The fifth meeting of the University was held on February 3, 2003 in Rooms 314-316 of the University Union. The meeting was called to order at 4:05 p.m. by Chairperson Norma Holter.
Vice President Rubin and Mr. Crusante were excused; Professor Chen and Mr. Hutchinson were absent.
The Minutes were approved as distributed.
REPORTS OF EX-OFFICIO SENATORS
Interim President Jones reported that the institutions in the System are discussing how to absorb budget cuts. He has also been spending time in Annapolis in many appointments with delegates. The importance of Towson University has come to the attention of Governor Ehrlich-he mentioned this recently in a speech.
The University System of Maryland is also concerned about some issues that do not affect Towson at this point, e.g., unionization and laws and procedures concerning possible layoffs and furloughs. The general opinion in Annapolis is that there will be additional cuts to higher education.
President Jones then reported for Provost Leather, who will arrive a few minutes late.
They are watching House Bill 45, which seeks to cap all new programs and draw some graduate certificates. There are other efforts in the works to "correct Higher Education" through such measures as tuition caps.
Provost Leather represented us very heroically at the Higher Education Policy Board. A proposal was made that for every new program passed we should cancel another. However, the B.S. in Forensic Chemistry was passed.
There is no question that we will have to show where funds for any new program will come from and document everything much more clearly.
President Jones also announced the appointments of the following Deans:
College of Liberal Arts: Dr. Rita D. Marinho
College of Business and Economics: Dr. Shohreh Kaynama
The search committee for the Dean of College of Fine Arts and Communication is in the process of interviewing candidates.
Questions: There was a question as to how Towson might handle faculty furloughs. President Jones: This is not on Towson's menu at this point, although there will be some furloughs and layoffs at some institutions.
Vice President Harnage announced that we have already received information about the first budget cut. On December 24 he received notice that the System would receive another cut of $39 million. Towson's total portion is a total of $8 million. We have addressed the first round and are able to deal with the second round through an increase of enrollment and the tuition increase.
We are now debating the affects on the FY 05 budget. The governor is painting the picture that even with all the strategies if the Thornton Commission formula for K-12 is funded, the state will be facing another shortfall.
There is a potential $30 million reduction in the FY 04 budget, which would come to $3.5 million for Towson. The Regents took action by leveling a 5% tuition ($95) on our students. There will be further discussion of tuition increases. He is requesting that each Vice President plan for a 3% reduction. However, if we don't receive additional cuts, we will not plan furloughs. Furloughs do not reduce annual costs.
Vice President Harnage's commitment to the Academic Enterprise has not waivered. However, if there are more cuts, the impact on the institution will certainly be felt. He asks that we all communicate with our elected officials and help establish the worth of public higher education. The third reduction now being discussed is for the FY 04 budget.
The good news is that the Governor included $26 million in his budget proposal for renovation of the Center for the Arts.
Professor Zimmerman asked about possible cuts in the state support given to private institutions. Answer: that is receiving much discussion. Vice President Parker noted that one proposal is that private institutions would receive state monies only for in-state students.
Professor Vatz stated that it is encouraging that Governor Ehrlich has explicitly shown that he recognizes the inequity that TU has received in the past.
Vice President Parker announced that for the first time the residence halls are at 100% capacity for the Spring semester. This is a result of the large number of returning students.
He announced the grand opening of the Climbing and Fitness Center at Burdick Hall on February 5.
Over 600 students registered at the Office of Disabilities. The majority have learning disorders.
On February 16, 2003 the Distinguished Black Marylanders Awards will be given out. Two Towson students will be honored.
Professor Siegel (CUSF) announced that CUSF has spent much time discussing the state budget situation. They will meet with the Governor on February 17.
Issues to be discussed with the governor:
1. To maintain the momentum that public higher education in Maryland has achieved.
2. The funding going to K-12 at the expense of higher education.
3. The process of appointing Regents. (One has resigned and three other positions will expire.)
4. University System of Maryland is an economic engine in the state.
5. The issue of student access to a quality education and the demographics of students. The system serves 8000 more students than it did just a few years ago. They will emphasize the impact on students.
Professor Sullivan (AAUP-FACULTY ASSOCIATION) noted that the organization serves as an advocate for the faculty. It needs more members. Send membership dues to Professor Sullivan or Professor Jeff Michaels, both in the Department of Economics.
Ms. O'Connell (SGA) noted that the SGA is having its first meeting of the semester today. The students will sponsor Tiger Pride Day in Annapolis on March 10, 2003 at which time they will meet with delegates and Senators to spread the message about TU.
She also noted that all student appointments to committees have been made.
Professor Whitman (Parliamentarian), as a member of the faculty of the College of Liberal Arts, expressed appreciation and thanks to Professor Beverly Leetch for her years as Interim Dean of the College. He particularly noted what a wonderful friend to students and faculty she has been. The faculty is happy that she is returning to full-time faculty status.
Professor Leetch expressed her thanks to the members of the College and her colleagues for all the support she has received. The University Senate gave her a round of applause.
Ms. Berlanstein (Member-at-Large) noted that Cook Library has installed a new on-line catalogue system with the libraries of the University System of Maryland. There have been problems, but they are working on it.
NEW BUSINESS
1. Professor Gissendanner moved, Professor Vocke seconded a motion: To approve the proposal to award concurrent degrees to undergraduate students (02/03-22)
Professor Craig Johnson spoke to the motion and explained that the second degree would have to be in two entirely different colleges. There was a question as to the difference between this and a double major and why we should do this at all. Answer: President Jones noted that this is considered a marker of quality and is quite common in institutions.
Professor Blake questioned the rule that the two majors must be in different colleges.
After some discussion, Professor Zimmerman requested that the committee revisit the wording of rule No. 3 (that the students must "complete both programs of study, with the two programs of study centered in different colleges") and report back to the Senate. Chairperson Holter so directed the committee.
Professor Siegel moved, Professor Forbes seconded a motion to table the motion. The motion passed.
2. Professor Sullivan moved, Ms. Berlanstein seconded a motion: To approve a joint program with the University of Baltimore for a Masters of Science in Accountancy (02/03-23).
Professor Martin Freedman, Department of Accounting, spoke to the motion and provided some history. Towson has a strong commitment from the University of Baltimore for this joint graduate program. The budget plans have been worked out in detail. President Jones stated that he sees no problem with any drain on the Towson University budget with this program.
Dean Kaynama noted that the new program is based not on growth, but on survival.
Professor Siegel requested to see a table on costs of the program.
Provost Leather stated that this program would actually require fewer resources than the stand-alone program that was previously passed.
Professor Siegel also asked about courses in ethics and statistics.
Professor Gallagher asked about the statement on p. 8, No. 7 that the institutions would commit to run courses regardless of enrollment. Professor Siegel noted that such a statement might be a red flag for legislators. Provost Leather said she will address that issue in Appendix B.
The motion was passed 17/0/0.
Vice President Harnage addressed the importance of the upcoming Master Plan study for TU. He asked that all of us try to create a vision for the physical development of the campus.
DISCUSSION ITEM
1. Chairperson Holter introduced Mr. Jack Nye, Director of Facilities Management, Planning, who in turn introduced several members of the consulting team:
Kevin King, Project manager
Dave Mayhew
Chris Phillips
Mickey Miller
They are working with the consulting firm, Ayers Saint Gross.
The larger group also includes President Jones and other senior officers, Stuart Stein (University Senate), Ellen Stokes (Associate Vice President, University Marketing), Joe Oster (Associate Vice President, Auxiliary Services), David McDonald (Academic Affairs), and Bobbie O'Connell (Student Government Association).
The goal is to update the University Master Plan by September, 2003. The first phase is to meet with all constituencies, both internal and external. They are beginning with meetings with internal constituencies.
Mr. King described the need to be visionary and to gather data through interviews and hard research. They will then test the concepts and take them to groups on campus. They asked the Senate to provide input on various questions.
Since the hour was late, it was agreed to postpone the discussion until the February 17 meeting. Professor Gallagher asked Mr. Nye and Mr. King to send the questions to the members of the Senate before the meeting so some thought and consideration can be given to the questions beforehand.
The Senate recessed until February 17.
Respectfully submitted,
James M. Anthony, Secretary
(NB. The February 17 meeting was subsequently cancelled. Therefore, the "recess" of the Senate constituted an "adjournment" of the fifth meeting of the Senate.)
The University Senate usually meets the first Monday of each month during the fall and spring semesters. The Executive Committee of the University Senate invites all interested parties to attend the meetings in the University Union.
Copies of documents relevant to agenda items are available at the Faculty Reserve Desk in Cook Library. Recordings of the meetings are located in Cook Library in the Media Resource Services area on the second floor.